On: Linus Torvalds apologizes for his behavior, takes ...

[DoreenMichele]

"Be brutal in private" is not part of that trope though.

[andrewflnr → DoreenMichele]

It is, it's just a different phrasing. I think you're reading more into "brutal" than blazespin intended. You might be more correct in your interpretation, but I'm pretty sure they just meant "blunt", not "vicious".

[homonculus1 → andrewflnr]

Then here's some bluntness:

People who don't mean "brutal" shouldn't use the word "brutal".

[FeepingCreature → homonculus1]

You're mixing up your interpretation of "brutal" with theirs. Phrasing "mean brutal" implies there's an objective meaning. There isn't.

[Dylan16807 → homonculus1]

"direct and lacking any attempt to disguise unpleasantness"

Seems fine.

[DoreenMichele → andrewflnr]

I'm pretty sure they just meant "blunt", not "vicious".

Let's hope you are correct.